Cruise Tip Contest: Vote for Your Favorite Cruise Tip

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We've reviewed thousands of entries, and have picked the top 10 finalists in our cruise tip contest! Vote now for your favorite way to spend a day at one of the Seabourn ports. The winner will win a luxe Caribbean cruise for two from Seabourn worth $10,000!

2. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: Snorkel at Lindquist Beach

"Pack up your snorkel gear, rent a scooter, pick up some local food, and head over to Lindquist Beach. It's a little less touristy than the other beaches, and for $2 per person, it's totally worth it. Spend the afternoon scouting the water for some turtles, then have yourself a dainty little picnic and talk to some locals. If you don't enjoy yourself, well, damn. You're doing something wrong." —Kelsey Love

If your cruise stops in Cozumel, Mexico, one of our readers suggests leaving the port and visiting a traditional steam lodge in the jungle.

4. Cozumel, Mexico: Visit a Mayan Steam Lodge

"Completely isolated in the XKan Ha Jungle is a place so different from the typical tourist traps located near cruise ports—the Temazcal, or Mayan Steam lodge. A quick pick-up from the port and you are whisked away to a rich cultural experience—an ancient steam bath run as the Mayans used to run it, according to Mayan traditions. During the bath you reconnect with yourself and others, discussing fond memories from your childhood and significant life moments. To finish the day, a quick plunge in a refreshingly cool, golden-colored cenote ensures complete spiritual renewal." —Jamie Fougnie

6. Bangkok, Thailand: See Monks' Alms Bowls Get Made by Hand

"My most memorable experience was in a back alley named Baan Bat (House of Bowls) in Bangkok. It is the last enclave where five remaining families hammer steel alms bowls by hand for Buddhist monks. The cacophony of sound was almost deafening. But the noise was at once a symphony of the joy and pride in their work, the history of their artistry, and the significance of their product in a life determined by a belief in Buddhism. It awakened in me an awareness of what is important in life: family, joy in life and pride in achievement." —Alan Showe

8. Civitavecchia, Italy: Seen Rome Already? Head to Tarquinia

"Only from Rome's port of Civitavecchia can you bus in minutes to a 3,000-year-old town with rich history and few tourists. Tarquinia, an old center of Etruscan civilization, has medieval churches echoing with Gregorian chants; a museum of exquisite gold jewelry and life-sized terracotta winged horses crafted centuries before Christ; and secret cave tombs with carved sarcophagi and frescoes depicting life in the 8th-century B.C. Hungry? Pick up white pizza, pastries, and local wine at Pane Pizza, and picnic at the nearby park overlooking valleys and vineyards. Ride the same local bus back to the 21st-century and your ship." —Will Robbins

Séte, France, where one of our readers followed the crew to find the perfect lunch spot.

10. Sète, France—or ANYWHERE: Follow the Crew to Lunch

"Our group of four travelers was anxious to spend our afternoon ashore [in Sète, France] to stretch our legs and enjoy a perfect day outdoors at lunch. The choice of outdoor seaside dining options was impressive, but confusing. While considering the many options, we caught sight of our ship's captain and several of the officers. We elected to follow them to one of the restaurants. Our afternoon in the sunshine and lunch of mussels, fries, and cold white wine could not have been more perfect. Onfuture cruises, we will follow the crew." —William Alldredge

Spain's Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry, is just a 40-minute train ride away from the port of Cadiz.

1. Cadiz, Spain: Sample Sherry and See Andalusian Horses in Jerez

"From the port of Cadiz, Spain, it's a quick, 40-minute train ride to Jerez de la Frontera, famous for sumptuous sherry and elegant horses. At the Sandeman Winery, an English-speaking guide explains the sherry production process with a tour and tasting. Sitting at tables in the cask-filled bodega, one can savor a variety of Sherries, from honey amber to deep ruby. Adjacent to Sandeman's is the Royal Andalusian Academy of Equestrian Art. The 90-minute performances include dressage, precision formation riding, and carriage driving. This demonstration of superb horsemanship is choreographed in time with classic Spanish music." —Laurence Moffitt

3. Skagway, Alaska: Helicopter to a Glacier for Dogsledding

“Book a helicopter glacier dogsled tour and experience riding and driving a dogsled with Alaskan Huskies on the glacier and you'll feel like an Iditarod musher yourself. Add in the breathtaking views of the glacier "skyline" and holding one of those Alaskan Husky puppies while you learn about how the dogs are trained and you have an unbeatable experience of a lifetime. Definitely book a glacier tour as there are many summer dogsled rides on ground ... not the same and no comparison.” —Kelley Kissiah

5. La Seyne-Sur-Mer, France: Hit the Farmers' Market and Have a Picnic

"The shore excursions are limited in the quaint port town of La Seyne-sur-Mer. Walk to the small boats docked 1/2 mile east and find the cobblestone- and tree-lined street Cours Louis Blanc (off Rue Cyrus Hugues). A fantastic multi-block daily farmers' market awaits that not even the staff on the ships know about. Gather olives (tables of olives), cheeses, pastries, and bread for a lunch dockside. It's a great and inexpensive port adventure for the entire family to learn French culture. If you're a runner, head west along the shoreside road for a run worth the sweat."—J.P. Just

7. Santa Barbara, California: Explore Montecito's Lotusland

"America's Riviera is breathtaking, but for a glimpse into a more bizarre, secluded world, grab a taxi to Lotusland in nearby Montecito. Paths meander through a cacti forest. Waves of aloe grow between massive boulders. Camel and giraffe topiaries keep company with little stone grotesques. Ferns and massive clam shells border a pond. Each pocket garden is more enchanting than the next. Ganna Walska, a Polish opera singer, created this garden of exotic plants over a span of 40 years. It is unlike any botanical garden you have ever seen or could possibly even imagine!" —Marea Dotz

9. Trabzon, Turkey: Make a Day Trip to Sumela Monastery

"In this unusual, primarily locals-only destination of northern Turkey, begin the day by heading east to the city square (Ataturk Alani). Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee or a samovar of locally brewed tea. Then, approach one of the travel companies located around the square, and book a day trip to the Sumela Monastery located in the inland mountains ($12). This incredible feat of architecture was built into the side of a mountain in 386 A.D. and is truly a breathtaking sight to experience. Upon return, end the day on the mountain overlooking the port drinking tea at sunset for an unforgettable view." —Justin Katz